Description
Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an intestinal hormone which
is released in response to ingestion of nutrients especially
carbohydrate. It has a number of important biological effects,
which include release of insulin, inhibition of glucagon and
somatostatin, maintenance of β-cell mass, delay of gastric
emptying, and inhibition of feeding. It has properties that
make it an almost ideal agent in the treatment of type 2
diabetes mellitus. It is also present in the brain where its
effects are beginning to be understood and its relevance to
disorders of nutrition and ageing are being explored.
